Culloden, NS
AUGUST 1, 1945 – JANUARY 15, 2024
Ross, Richard “Rocket” James, 78, of Culloden, NS passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024 at Yarmouth Regional Hospital with family by his side. He was born in Digby, NS on August 1, 1945 to the late Frank and Merna (Finigan) Ross.
Richard was a formidable presence wherever he went. He loved to socialize and would make friends easily, resulting in friends all over the continent. He touched many, many lives over the years and enjoyed tormenting and getting a laugh from people. He was an honest, straight shooter and would give his opinion freely, sometimes without being asked. His door was always open as he loved to have visits from family and friends. Richard was great for gifting people with unique nicknames and those who were given one wore it proudly. He was selfless and would give of himself without discrimination, becoming a mentor to many.
His family was the most important part of his world, especially his grandkids. He was a big part of their lives and was their biggest fan in whatever they did. He was a wonderful driving instructor to Knothead, the only voice Splinter could hear from the ice in the hockey rinks, and he loved to 'supervise' Chip in the shop. He was so very proud of all three of them.
Richard had a great enthusiasm and deep passion for hockey. It was a large part of his life for many years, he played the sport as a young kid, then grew up and coached the DRHS high school team. Richard helped create the Digby Devils old timers hockey team for which he played. He became a huge presence in the rinks once again when his grandsons took up the sport he dearly loved.
Besides hockey, Richard also spent a number of years bowling. He participated in many tournaments, playing in both the men's and mixed leagues. With his large booming voice, Richard spent some years doing sports for the radio station in Digby, CKDY. He was also a familiar voice at Christmas Daddies for many years.
After high school, Richard attended survey school and worked in that field for six and a half years, most of which were in NB. In 1970, he moved back to Digby where he designed, built, and co-owned R&W Fish and Chips. At this time, Richard was approached about a teaching position at DRHS for which he applied, and thus became a teacher for the next 30 years. Around 1980, having a keen interest in the fishing industry, Richard became one of the founding members of the seamanship course at DRHS. For over 15 years, Richard taught this seamanship course, the first of its kind to be offered at the high school level in NS. During this time, he also taught night school to fishermen and boaters for a number of years.
Richard enjoyed travelling, for many years on the motorcycle, then with the fifth wheel in later years. He loved the outdoors and working in the woods, cutting firewood and milling lumber. At 75 years old, Richard learned to bake and would share his delicious food with many. Richard's other interests included making many beautiful intarsia woodworking projects, as well as working on genealogy with his daughter.
Unofficially deemed the “Mayor of Rosstown”, Richard took pride in not only the home that he and his wife built with the help of others, but in his entire community. For many years he was the caretaker of the Union Cemetery of Culloden and was very knowledgeable of the history of the small community and its residents.
“He was more than my Grampie, he was my best friend.” - Chip
Richard is survived by his wife, Beverly (Champion) Ross; daughter, Dawn (Tim) Gunn; grandchildren, 'Knothead' Melanie, 'Splinter' Ryan, and 'Chip' Avery all of Culloden, NS; brother, Eric (late Joan) Ross of White Rock, BC; sister-in-law, Carol Ross of Lr. Sackville; brother-in-law, Willard (Sandra) Champion of Hamilton, PEI; nieces, nephews, and many extended family. He was predeceased by a sister, Linda in infancy; and brother, Glenn.
A very special thank-you to Dr. John Black, Dr. Brodarec, Dr. Sood, and the third floor nursing staff of the Yarmouth Regional Hospital for the amazing care given.
Visitation will take place 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Jayne's Funeral Home, 15 Birch St., Digby, NS (245-2525) where the funeral service will be held at 1pm Saturday, January 27, 2024, Pastor Andrew Maves presiding.
Interment in the Union Cemetery of Culloden, immediately following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers donations in Richard's memory may be made to the Union Cemetery of Culloden PO Box 1247 Digby, NS B0V 1A0 or a charity of your choosing.
